Engg Colleges in K'tka to follow govt fees formula

The Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA) decided to accept the government formula to fix the fee structure for Engineering Colleges in Karnataka.

Last week, there was a report on the new developments with regard to fixing the fees for Karnataka Engineering Colleges. It was evident that those seeking admission to engineering colleges may end up paying higher fees irrespective of their Common Entrance Test (CET) rankings. Also, it was mentioned that the state government will be forced to implement the recommendations on fee regulations mentioned in the report by Justice B Padmaraj Committee.

However, Justice B Padmaraj committee report suggested lower than expected fee structures for engineering courses. After the revelation of content of the Padmaraj Committee, circumstances indicates that the private colleges are not satisfied with this effort made by the government. The fee determined for a majority of colleges was between Rs 24,000 to Rs 35,000. Only a few colleges are allowed to charge higher fee. The highest fee advised was Rs 54,000 for six colleges.

This was unexpected to the private college managements. The college association expected fees to be in the range of Rs 40,000 to Rs 80,000, with top institutions may charge a fees upto Rs 1 lakh. Realising that the reports are not favourable, the Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA) immediately decided to accept the government formula.

According to the reports, now, the private engineering colleges are expected to give 45 per cent of engineering seats to students who have cleared the CET for Rs 35,000. The remaining 55 per cent seats will be given under Comed-K and management quota for Rs 1.25 lakh. Also, a supernumerary quota of 5 per cent mandated by the AICTE will provide free seats for economically backward students. The details are yet to get ready.

The issue with regard to the supernumerary quota need to be sorted. Will this be included in the CET quota, the provision of poor and meritorious quota?